If you’re first time visitor, it may be useful to get acquainted with some basic knowledge of what to expect. Renowned as a 21st century efficient clean city, it also has an enviable public transport system. My first priority arriving at Changi Airport was to purchase a MRT tourist pass that gave me unlimited public transport travel. The city exudes with luxury accommodation and expensive shopping - don’t expect your Pound to go further like other Far Eastern countries. And as for cuisine - it’s a food addicts paradise.

     One of the most eye pleasing features of Singapore is how it has managed to combine modern architecture with nature, green spaces and fauna - even some Otters have made it their home by the riverside. Main shopping streets like Orchard Road, are paved with trees and flowering shrubs giving it a pleasant eco-friendly vista. Architects in developing the Marina Bay area have ensured that in-between all the concrete and glass, there’s always some green area for relaxation.

     Singapore is also one of the most multicultural and multi-ethnic places in Asia. Dissecting the island, you will find distinct neighbourhoods, like Chinatown, Little India and Arab Quarter, all which should be explored separately. Then there’s Singapore’s Botanical Gardens and Chinese & Japanese Gardens. For pure pleasure seekers and sunbathers, there Singapore's very own playground island - Sentosa. And finally the island’s pièce de résistance Gardens By The Bay. These are places I have visited more than once. But if your time is limited, a few half day and evening tours might just give you a glimpse of  the city, and prompt you for a week or two visit the next time.

     Digressing a little, one of the coolest things I found was especially during the midday heat, was to simply board a double decker bus, head upstairs, sit by a window in air-conditioned comfort, and go wherever the bus takes you, and watch the passing scenery. There’s always something of interest that will stir you to get off have a look around. Anyway, getting back to my favourite places:

Duxton Hill, shophouses

Chinatown, Pagoda Street

     Chinatown: Not everything you see in Chinatown is Chinese. Even in this one neighbourhood, Singapore’s multiethnic culture is visible, with Buddhist temple, Hindu temple and mosque all on one street. It’s a very walkable area, in a maze of streets with colourful shop houses, markets, clubs, wine bars, and needs a full day, and into the night to appreciate its diversity. I started the day early morning at the Wet Market, busy with freshly brought in seafood, and noisy fruit and vegetable stalls.

     Taking a short diversion from Chinatown brought me to Duxton Hill and Duxton Road, noted for its colourful shophouses. These historic terrace houses dating back from the 19th century have been carefully restored and is a quaint and quiet locality to explore. Then it was off to temple sightseeing, and honestly could not see everything in one day as I had planned.

     The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum is a large multi storey structure that was built in 2007. Devotees regard it houses the left tooth of the Buddha and is contained in a large gold stupa. The main hall and colourful interior has hundreds of small sculptures, and a centrepiece of  deity statues.

     While I was there, a group on monks entered and were praying. Not wishing to intrude, I was only able to spend a few minutes quietly observing the surroundings. Due to lack of time, I was also unable to explore the upper floors which has a museum, artefacts, and a rooftop garden.

Thian Hock Keng temple

Thian Hock Keng temple, Moon goddess

Sri Marianman temple, gopura entrance

Masjid Jamae Mosque

Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, priest at small shrine

Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple

     Close by, the Sri Veeramakaliamman Hindu Temple is a another landmark. And Like the Sri Mariamman in Chinatown, the 18 metre high gopura is decorated with bright colourful sculptures. Enter the site, and it is festooned with shrines, mythical figures and deities.

     Further along Serangoon Road is one of the oldest temples - Sri Srinivasa Perumal, built in the 1850’s. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it also had an imposing gopura entrance, and the temple courtyard has a host of paintings, and sculptures of gods and goddesses.

     Although the architecture, imagery and sculptures may look similar in Hindu temples, I loved visiting them, to appreciate its heritage and respect being in the presence of rich cultures and faiths.

Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple

Leong San See Temple

Kampong Glam

Kampong Glam, Sultan Mosque

     South of Little India is the famous Arab Street. Actually it is more than one street and part of the Kampong Glam area, and regarded as home of the Muslim community. In its heart is the Sultan Mosque, the largest in Singapore, with its huge golden colour dome. The streets around are full of colours, with restored shophouses, quirky fashion outlets, street art (you’ll se some at Haji Street), and an abundance of restaurants and cafes.

     Botanical Gardens: The only tropical botanic garden in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is one pleasurable place you cannot afford to miss. It’s greenery scenery at its best. Arrive early morning (opens at 5am), and avoid the midday sun. Entrance is free. Although free guided tours are available, I preferred to arm myself with the map provided and explore at my own pace. There are several themed gardens like the Heliconia Walk, Bonsai Garden, Foliage Garden, a small Rain Forest and more.

     But for me the immaculately landscaped National Orchid Garden (SGD15 entrance), was the best. With over a 1000 species and hybrids, of all colours and shapes, including the national flower ‘Vanda Miss Joaquim’, it is a sight to behold. There are many free standing sculptures around the gardens, like the Chopin sculpture donated by the Polish embassy. As the midday sun and humidity became uncomfortable I was glad of the shady foliage and dropping in for a cool drink of coconut water and snack at an on-site cafe.

Chinese Garden

 Japanese Garden

     Sentosa Island: Of all the small outer islands, Sentosa is the most visited by Singaporians and tourists alike. It is primarily a resort island, with attractions like the Sea Aquarium, Universal Studios, Water Park, Mega Adventure Park and many more. Getting there is easy, by road, monorail or Cable Car as I chose to. While the entrance to the island is free, you have to pay for most of the attractions and rides. If you’re with family and wish to indulge in the activities and entertainment, a ‘Fun Pass’ is your best option.

     For a real tropical island feel, head towards one of the beaches, like Palawan Beach, with a long stretch of sand and swaying coconut palms. I visited during the weekend, and the place was certainly crowded, although I did find wandering towards the beaches, a more deserted spot underneath the shade of a palm trees and sip a drink of ice cold beer from a drinks stall.

Giant conservatories

Supertrees, aerail view

Marina Sands Hotel show

Merlion statue

     Dining in Singapore is an event in itself. While ‘Michelin star’ restaurants are plenty and are in the high pricing bracket, very affordable eating in the form of hawker centres can be found almost everywhere and in every neighbourhood. Day or night it’s busy, as they are also places to gather and socialise. The atmosphere is casual, and don’t expect to have a table all to yourself. And sharing with your fellow diners prompts conversations on what’s excellent and what you must try.

     The selection of food is immense, like Hainanese chicken rice, Laksa - spicy noodle soup, Barbecued Stingray, Satay and Chilli Crab to name a few. My favourite food court is at ‘The Shoppers’ in the lower ground floor of the Marina Sands Hotel. Though a little pricy, it is exquisite, and kept me coming back several times, especially after a walk, for a thirst quenching ‘Ice Kachang’- a mound of shaved ice, topped with red beans, jelly (agar agar), sweet corn and sweet syrup.

     If you fancy a night out a a high end restaurant, try a traditional fondue style ‘Steamboat’ dinner, where you cook fresh meats, seafood and vegetables in a pot of boiling soup.